Central Louisiana (Cenla) is called “The Crossroads” because it is an ideally located transportation hub bordered by the Mississippi and Sabine rivers, with excellent interstate highway, river, rail, and air cargo capabilities in place. Cenla, which includes the Alexandria, LA, metro area, is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, outpaced only by the Gulf Coast areas rebuilding in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

A growing workforce, drawn from Central Louisiana parishes, has been experiencing relatively low unemployment rates for the past two years. The Louisiana Economic Outlook report projects a growth of 1,000 jobs over the next two years for the Alexandria metro area, with most of the growth coming in the services and trade employment sectors.

In the past year, the 5.4% growth rate for manufacturing in the Alexandria metro area was the largest of any major metro area in Louisiana. The Cost of Living Index for the Alexandria/Pineville metro area, says the American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association, has historically remained at approximately 93% of the national average.

Prime sites are available in the 2,700-acre complex that includes Alexandria International Airport, which recently opened a new $27 million passenger terminal.

Rodemacher III Powers Economic Development in Cenla

Central Louisiana Electric Company’s Rodemacher III electric generating plant, now under construction, will provide a 600-megawatt addition to the area’s electric-power grid. The $1 billion plant promises to lower energy rates across the state. The multi-fuel facility will burn petroleum coke, a by-product of the refining industry, thus contributing to lower-cost commercial and household energy and disposal of otherwise undesirable materials.

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The Hoosier Energy Power Network’s Economic Development team is dedicated to providing valuable site selection information and assistance to companies considering a relocation or expansion in Indiana or Illinois.

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